The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has expressed deep regret over the tragic death of 37 suspected illegal miners in Minna, Niger State. According to a source close to the NSCDC, the commandant-general, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, led a delegation to pay a condolence visit to the bereaved families and the Emir of Minna, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Umar Farouk Bahago. During the visit, Audi conveyed his deepest condolences to the families and the traditional institution.
Audi described the incident as "touching and painful," stating that it had left him "heartbroken and demoralised." He emphasized that the NSCDC would cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The NSCDC boss assured the bereaved families and the royal father that he would not interfere with the investigation, adding that anyone found culpable would not be shielded.
The federal government has constituted a high-powered investigative committee to probe the incident and establish what led to the deaths. The committee was set up under the directive of the Presidency. Audi disclosed that the NSCDC was fully cooperating with the committee and that relevant personnel had already been placed in protective custody for transparent interrogation and, where necessary, the judicial process.
The NSCDC commandant-general explained that his visit was not merely administrative, but a gesture of solidarity with the affected families and to join Muslim faithful in prayers for the repose of the souls of the deceased. He highlighted the significance of the third and seventh-day prayers for the departed. Audi's presence was also seen as an expression of solidarity with the families as they struggle to come to terms with their loss.
The Emir of Minna, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Farouk Bahago, responded on behalf of the traditional institution and the bereaved families, expressing appreciation to the NSCDC boss for personally visiting the community and identifying with the families at such a painful time. The royal father commended the administrative actions taken by the Corps following the incident and its cooperation with the Presidential investigative committee.
The incident has left the community in shock, with many still trying to come to terms with the loss of their loved ones. The NSCDC has taken steps to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. The investigation is ongoing, and the committee is expected to submit its findings soon.
Key stakeholders have been urged to cooperate with the investigation to ensure that the truth surrounding the tragedy is established. The NSCDC has reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability in the investigation. The community is still reeling from the impact of the tragedy, and many are calling for measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Key points
- The NSCDC will cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
- The federal government has constituted a high-powered investigative committee to probe the incident.
- The NSCDC commandant-general has assured that anyone found culpable will not be shielded.
